Reaching for your mid-day pick-me-up? You may think it’s healthier to drink diet soda or coffee rather than indulging in a candy bar or giant muffin. Although those sugary snacks may impact your waistline, drinks can impact your teeth just as significantly.

Whether you choose a sugar-free beverage or one with alcohol, you may end up with teeth staining or sensitivity. You could even get a cavity. So which drinks should you avoid, and is there anything you can do to prevent these problems? Here’s the lowdown on how different drinks affect your teeth, based on our experiences with patients in our Sun City dental office.

The Effects of Coffee on Your Teeth

Is coffee bad for your teeth? We hear that question a lot from the people who come to our office. The answer depends to some degree on how you take your coffee and how often you drink it.

Do you drink coffee at least once a day? Then your teeth will see staining over the long term. The acidity of the drink will also begin to wear away at your tooth enamel. Your teeth may become sensitive as the enamel weakens. If you drink coffee less frequently, say once a week or less, the long-term effects will be less pronounced, though they still may develop over time.

Adding sugar or sugary creamers to your coffee can also impact your teeth. It fosters bacteria and may lead to tooth decay. Drinking your coffee black will eliminate that issue.

Does Wine Cause Tooth Decay?

Winding down with a glass of wine at the end of the day can be relaxing and provide benefits to your heart. If you drink red wine, though, you may be damaging your teeth at the same time.

The dyes, tannins and acid in wine have the same effect as coffee. They stain the teeth and attack your enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. You may think you’re in the clear if you drink white wine, but some types are also tough on enamel.

Is Juice Bad for Your Teeth?

Yes, it is. Juice has a similarly poor effect as wine. The sugars in juice, even though they come from plants and not from added cane sugar, cause decay. Citrus juices can be especially impactful. The acid in orange juice, grapefruit juice and lemonade hastens the decay process by attacking the enamel. You can get sensitive teeth and cavities from indulging too much in these juices.

What Impact Does Tea Have on Your Teeth?

Black tea discolors and stains your teeth much like coffee and wine. It is somewhat less acidic than those beverages, but it can still lead to tooth sensitivity. Green tea has less of a staining effect, while some herbal teas do not cause stains, though they can encourage bacteria production in the mouth.

How Do Sugary Drinks Like Soda Affect Your Teeth?

As you might expect, soda is the worst offender in terms of tooth damage. The sugars in soda react with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid that eats away at tooth enamel and results in cavities. Soft drinks also have high acid content, hastening tooth decay. Diet soda isn’t any better. While it’s made with imitation sugars, they still have high levels of acid and can result in the same amount of tooth erosion as regular soda.

How to Prevent Tooth Problems From Your Favorite Beverage

Does this mean you can never have a glass of wine or tip back an icy glass of pop again? Well, no. While your Sun City dentist would certainly prefer you keep those indulgences to a minimum, for your teeth’s sake, we realize you are not going cold turkey on all these drinks. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the impact of sugary or acidic beverages. Try these tips:

– Wash your mouth out with water after drinking a sugary or tannin-filled drink, which will help remove bacteria

– Water down juice, coffee or tea to dilute the acidity

– Drink through a straw to limit beverages’ interaction with your teeth

– Substitute water for at least one cup of soda, coffee or tea each day

– If you must drink soda, have a root beer — it has the least impact on teeth of any type of soda

– Enjoy a piece of cheese after a sugary drink, which can help neutralize the acid left behind by the beverage

Another way to combat tooth decay and staining is to make regular trips to our dentist here in Sun City, Arizona. At our six-month dental cleanings, we examine your teeth for signs of decay, staining and sensitivity. If you experience problems, we can address them quickly through a host of remedies, including fluoride treatments. Contact our office to set up an appointment.

Did you know that 75 percent of seniors ages 65 and older have all or some of their natural teeth? That would have been unthinkable just a hundred years ago, when nearly everyone of that age wore dentures. Advances in oral hygiene in older adults have adjusted expectations, and with the right care, you can be among the 75 percent.

As you get older and your body changes, it becomes more important than ever to practice good oral hygiene habits to preserve your teeth and stay healthy. Aging can impact oral health in different ways for different people. Some develop sensitive teeth, while others get dry mouth. Some lose their teeth, while a lucky few have a full set with no cavities. Separate aging factors can affect oral health as well, such as the development of diabetes and heart disease.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene and Preventative Care in Sun City

Our practice emphasizes preventative dental care for older adults in Sun City. We believe that if you know how to care for your teeth, you can help keep them healthy over the long-term.

Preventative care involves being proactive with your oral health. It means addressing potential problems before they happen by knowing things such as the causes of gum disease and how dental care affects your overall health. When you are equipped with this knowledge, you make better choices for your mouth and may head off tooth decay or gum recession before they start. This saves you the expense and time associated with major dental procedures.

Common Dental Problems Among Older Adults

Not taking care of your teeth can lead to serious dental issues. At the same time, diseases common among older adults can complicate what might otherwise be a minor annoyance. Here are some of the most prevalent dental problems you may face:

1. Dry Mouth
Medications prescribed for other conditions may spark dry mouth, which can, in turn, cause tooth decay. Not enough saliva can result in cavities as well as root rot. You may lose teeth if you suffer from dry mouth for months.If you can’t change your medication, you can encourage saliva production by chewing sugarless gum. Drink more water, too, and let it stay in your mouth before swallowing to wet your teeth. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks, which also encourage dry mouth.

2. Diabetes
Roughly one in four people over age 65 suffer from diabetes. One side effect of diabetes can be dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.Other symptoms include thrush, an infection that occurs in the mouth, and gum disease. The latter is caused by damage to blood vessels going to the mouth, making the gums more susceptible to infection. Diabetics’ high blood sugar can also elevate levels of sugar in saliva, leading to bacteria production.

3. Sensitive Teeth
Over the years, tooth enamel and gums can wear away, resulting in sensitive teeth. This can become even worse if you have used a hard-bristled tooth brush or sawed away at your teeth too aggressively while brushing.

4. Heart Disease
Researchers have found connections between heart and gum disease. When your mouth is healthy, it’s one less component that can lead to coronary issues.

5. Gum Disease and Recession
When plaque builds on the teeth and gums, it can lead to gingivitis, one of the main causes of gum disease. The tissue around the teeth can become infected, and in some cases, this can prompt teeth to loosen or even fall out. Gum disease may become worse if you are on medication that inhibits the production of saliva. The best prevention for gum disease is regular brushing, flossing and dental appointments in Sun City.Gum recession causes include aging as well as a lifetime of poor dental habits. If you want to know how to prevent gum recession, the Number 1 solution is to take better care of your teeth, no matter how old you are. Those who grind their teeth or have parents with gum recession are also more likely to develop it themselves. Symptoms include sensitive teeth and the development of gum disease and tooth decay.

How to Care for Your Oral Health for Older Adults in Sun City

If you want to avoid the oral health pitfalls that can befall older Americans, use these preventative methods:

– Brush two times a day with a soft-bristled brush, or try an electronic toothbrush, which may reach areas you can’t with a regular brush

– Floss at least once a day

– Clean your dentures daily, if you wear them

– Remove dentures at least four hours every 24 hours

– Avoid sugary foods, especially if you have diabetes

– If you smoke, quit

– Get regular fluoride treatments from your Sun City Dentist if your drinking water does not contain fluoride or you frequently drink bottled water

The Most Important Preventative Care for Seniors: Get Regular Checkups and Dental Care

We focus on providing dental care for older adults in Sun City. You must get regular checkups with a dentist to ensure your lifelong dental health. You should also call us immediately if you experience any type of dental problem, and we can get you in with our Sun City dentist to address it. Contact us today to learn more about oral health and older adults.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. First impressions last. You should never underestimate the importance of a knockout smile. A smile shows that you feel good about yourself and that you take care of your health too.

We all want to look and feel our best. Composite resin bonding improves the appearance of your teeth. Below, we discuss this treatment in detail. To help you make an informed choice about whether or not the process is for you, we aim to answer the most common questions about composite resin bonding.

Common Questions and Answers About Composite Resin Bonding

Take a look at these frequently-asked questions and answers to find out if you’re a good candidate for composite resin bonding in Sun City, AZ:

What is composite resin bonding?

Composite resin tooth bonding is an inexpensive, quick and minimally-invasive route to a beautiful, healthy-looking smile. Dental bonding is also sometimes used to fill cavities because it looks aesthetically better than silver-colored fillings.

Who should use it?

You should consider dental bonding under the following circumstances:

To repair cracked or chipped teeth: Many incidents, including sporting injuries, falls and car accidents, can cause cracked or chipped teeth. A chipped tooth can look unsightly and make you feel embarrassed. Treating your chipped tooth without delay prevents potential further damage and improves the look of your tooth and your smile. Bonding enables our dentist to replace any lost tooth material with natural-looking, durable resin.

To repair small fractures: A cracked tooth makes you feel less confident and can adversely affect your dental health. A quick dental bonding treatment will easily conceal and repair any fractures.

To protect a part of your exposed tooth’s root due to receding gums: You can experience significant discomfort or pain when your root is exposed. Tooth bonding can often correct this easily.

To change the shape of your teeth: Composite resin can create additional width to your teeth to make them look more proportionate.

To close spaces between your teeth: Gaps between your teeth can make them appear misshapen, misaligned or asymmetrical. Dental bonding makes gaps smaller and sometimes closes them entirely. Composite resin can close a single gap or multiple gaps between your teeth.

To make your teeth look longer: Resin bonding can add additional length to your teeth. It can also create a more even edge, resulting in a more beautiful smile that enhances and complements your natural face shape.

To repair decayed teeth: Because composite resins look far more natural, it’s often used instead of amalgam fillings.

To improve the appearance of discolored teeth: If your teeth don’t respond well to professional teeth whitening treatments, you can opt for composite resin bonding. Also, if you have sensitive teeth, you’re probably not a good candidate for whitening treatment. Dental bonding can help in these situations.

To enhance your teeth’s appearance after wearing braces: It’s common to undergo dental bonding after having braces removed. The treatment masks staining you developed while wearing the braces.

It’s a good alternative to tooth removal: Composite restoration bonds to your tooth and restores its original strength. Hence, this process can preserve a tooth that might not otherwise be salvageable.

It doesn’t usually involve anesthesia: Unless you have cavities, you most likely will not need anesthesia.

Are there any drawbacks to composite resin bonding?

The benefits of dental bonding far outweigh any negatives. Dental bonding material is fairly resistant to stains, but it’s not as stain-resistant as crowns. Composite resin bonding isn’t as strong and won’t necessarily last as long as fillings, crowns or veneers.

Is composite resin bonding a new treatment?

Is composite tooth bonding a radical procedure?

Certainly not. You’ll find minimal tooth removal with cosmetic tooth bonding, and the procedure is often performed without anesthetic. The process is painless for most people.

Do composites look natural?

When you have a skilled cosmetic dentist apply your composites, they look completely natural.

Am I too old for composite resin bonding?

You’re never too old for treatment.

How much does composite resin bonding cost?

According to figures from Everyday Health, the average cost for the procedure is between $300 to $600 per tooth. Compare this to paying between $700 and $1,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers as quoted by the Consumer Guide To Dentistry. Fortunately, when it’s done to fill cavities or for structural reasons, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of composite resin bonding.

It’s tempting to choose a professional who provides this service at a below-average price or is offering services for a cost that seems too good to be true. However, it’s crucial to consider that you need to live with your teeth for the rest of your life. You need to choose an experienced dentist who has a track record of achieving consistently good results.

The cost of composite resin bonding may be affected by location. Your treatment typically costs less if you live in a rural area as opposed to a large city. Your dentist’s experience and reputation can also affect the price of treatment. Call us here at Donoho Dental Associates, PC to learn more about your specific cost of composite bonding cost.

When it comes down to your health, the composite resin bonding cost is a small price to pay for a healthy mouth and attractive teeth.

How about financing options?

The majority of dentists — and that includes us here at Donoho Dental Associates, PC — work with you to find a payment plan or financing options that suit your budget if your insurance doesn’t cover your bonding procedure.

We not only work with many insurance companies, but we offer discount plans and financing options. We list the major insurance carriers, discount plans and financing options we accept on our website, but we may accept others. If you don’t see your plan listed, give us a call at (623) 633-7356.

How long does tooth bonding last?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tooth bonding usually lasts from three to ten years on average before it needs to be repaired or replaced. Your tooth bonding also could last longer than ten years. Factors that may affect the longevity of your tooth bonding include your oral habits and the amount of bonding done.

What should I expect from the consultation and treatment planning stages?

Dr. Donoho conducts a thorough evaluation and examination of your teeth and gums to determine whether your dental problems are solvable with tooth bonding. He discusses the cosmetic and clinical issues, such as tooth discoloration, spaces and gaps between teeth, chips, cavities, cracks and fractures that tooth bonding can resolve.

Our dentist might speak to you about other treatments, like veneers or crowns, if your teeth are badly damaged or you have other dental issues that could affect the longevity and success of this specific treatment. Dr. Donoho could also ask you to undergo teeth whitening before your treatment to match the color of the composite to your natural teeth.

Our dental team will ask you to wait between 14 and 21 days before you get your composite resin bonding if you do elect to whiten your teeth. Your teeth will then be ready to ensure the creation of a durable bond.

If you are changing the shape of your teeth or lengthening them, your dentist in Sun City will take impressions of your teeth before your treatment. You then have a preview of what your teeth will look like after treatment. Dr. Donoho may use this model as a template or guide while he’s doing the procedure.

What happens during the treatment?

Our dentist finds the right color for your bonding by using a shade guide to find one that closely matches your tooth. He’ll be able to find an almost exact match since there are a wide variety of dental bonding shades.

You should only need anesthesia if you have a chip near a nerve, you’re getting a filling or if your tooth needs to be drilled to modify its shape.

The Bonding Process

Prior to beginning the composite resin bonding procedure, your teeth are cleaned to remove debris. Dr. Donoho roughens your tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid to help the material stick to your tooth. Next, he applies a putty-like tooth-colored resin. It’s then molded and smoothed into shape. A bright light hardens the material. Then, your tooth is trimmed, shaped and polished to fit in with your other teeth.

Refinement

The entire procedure takes around 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Dr. Donoho checks your teeth and makes sure you’re happy with them at the end of your appointment. This process will include:

Refining the bonding solution: Our dentist removes small areas of the bonding material from your teeth using a fine dental drill. Your teeth will then be more even and uniform.

Checking symmetry: Donoho checks the length and width of your teeth to make sure they are symmetrical with the others.

Etching the surface: He uses a tool with a rotating head to lightly etch the surface of the treated tooth. You tooth then has a natural appearance comparable to your other teeth.

Is there a recovery period?

No. You’ll experience no recovery time after your procedure. You can go straight back to work and resume all your regular activities. We may advise you to avoid certain foods and drinks, such as red wine and coffee, that might stain your teeth initially.

Steer clear of chewy foods on the day of your dental bonding treatment

Cut down on red wine, coffee and tea

Quit smoking

Don’t chew on pens

Refrain from biting your nails

Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth

Visit our dental office in Sun City, AZ if you feel any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if you have any other concerns

What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?

When you choose dental bonding, you make an investment in your looks and your quality of life. You need to select a dental professional who provides outstanding results. It’s often a good idea to ask your friends and family for a recommendation. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends that you ask your dentist for more information before you get started:

References: References are a simple way to get an idea of the quality of care provided.

Before and after photos: Before and after photographs enable you to see other patients’ results. You can then decide if the dentist is a good fit for your needs. You should closely examine the images to ascertain whether or not you like the final results. Check to see if the patient’s teeth look natural and ask yourself if you would like a similar look. Bear in mind that poor quality photos with bad lighting could be hiding poor aesthetic results.

Proof of continuing education: You want to choose a dentist who is up-to-date with the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques.

Accreditation: Choose a dentist with American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accreditation.

Comfort: You should choose a cosmetic dentist you feel comfortable with. Remember that you’ll be working together to develop a treatment plan. Therefore, choose a provider who listens to your concerns and needs. It’s time to find a new cosmetic dentist if you meet with one who makes you feel uncomfortable, dismisses your worries, shames you about the condition of your teeth or pressures you to undertake more treatment.

Composite resin restorations cover a range of uses. Our cosmetic dentist uses his artistry to provide you with the utmost in longevity and aesthetics. Dr. Donoho has spent years perfecting and mastering bonding techniques. He’ll share the science, benefits and limitations of the procedure with you.

Composite resin bonding is a good option if you want to achieve a brighter, straighter look to your teeth. Our dentist and team can answer any further questions you have about the procedure. Call us at (623) 633-7356 or contact us via our online form.

Tooth loss can happen to anyone at any age. Thankfully, losing your natural teeth doesn’t have to mean living without an attractive smile.

Wearing dentures is an affordable solution if you’re missing at least one tooth. There are many reasons why you might lose your teeth. Trauma, gum disease or decay can result in tooth loss. Whatever the cause of your dental problem, dentures offer a long-term, pain-free solution. You can also continue eating all the foods you did before but with a more complete-looking smile.

When it comes to seniors, the American College of Prosthodontists says that as many as 23 million older people have lost all their teeth. Taking these figures into consideration, and, with so many people needing to wear dentures, it’s crucial they fit well and are comfortable.

Losing your natural teeth isn’t the most pleasant of thoughts. However, as dental technology moves forward, dentures have become more natural looking and comfortable than ever before. If you’re considering getting new dentures or if the ones you currently have are uncomfortable, this guide helps you to learn about dentures, including their fit, comfort and more.

Where to Start When You Need Dentures

If you think you might benefit from getting dentures, the best starting point is to visit your Sun City, AZ dentist. Dr. Daniel Donoho is experienced in cosmetic and general dentistry, including custom, partial and full dentures.

Getting Dentures for the First Time

Dentures are removable replacements for your missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. There are two main types of dentures: partial and complete. As their names suggest, your dentist recommends partial dentures when you have some natural teeth remaining and complete when all your teeth are missing. There are also alternatives to partial and complete dentures:

Partial Dentures: A removable partial denture, also known as a bridge, is usually made up of replacement teeth that are affixed to a natural-looking, gum-colored plastic base. Connected by a metal framework, a bridge ensures your denture stays in place while you’re wearing it.

Partial dentures are recommended for you if you have at least one natural tooth left in either your upper or lower jaw. Your partial denture fills in the gaps created by your missing teeth while also preventing your other teeth from changing position in your mouth.

A precision partial denture has internal attachments instead of clasps that attach to nearby crowns. It is a natural-looking dental appliance that is removable.

Complete Dentures: You wear complete dentures, also known as full dentures, after your teeth extraction, and your gums have begun the healing process, which usually takes between 8 to 12 weeks.

Full dentures are either immediate or conventional. Immediate dentures are made in advance, and you wear them upon teeth removal. Because of this, you don’t need to wait for weeks without teeth as your gums heal. One aspect to keep in mind is that gums and bones shrink throughout the healing period after tooth removal.

Because of this, immediate dentures will require more adjustments to fit your mouth properly during the process of healing. Therefore, immediate dentures should only be used as a temporary stop gap until you receive conventional dentures.

Alternatives to Dentures: Dental implants that support cemented bridges can eliminate the need for a denture. These are usually more expensive than dentures, and not everyone is a suitable candidate for them.

Where some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and give support and stability for a denture, you can choose to get an overdenture. An overdenture fits over some of your remaining teeth.

How Dentures Are Made

You are required to attend several denture fitting appointments over a few weeks during your denture creation process. Your dentist will identify what dentures would suit you and then:

Take measurements and impressions of your jaws to find out how much space is between them and how they relate to one another.

Create wax forms, models and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape of the dentures you’ll wear. You’ll have the chance to try out the models many times. While these are in place, your dentist will assess your denture for fit, shape and color.

Cast the final dentures and make adjustments as needed.

Common Questions About the Fit and Wear of Your Dentures

As a new denture wearer, you may have many questions about the wear and fit of your dentures, including these:

Will my new dentures feel weird?

As you might imagine, it will take some time for you to get used to your new dentures. They may feel a little odd for a few weeks. Given time, your tongue and cheek muscles learn to keep them in place, and you’ll find inserting and removing them will become second nature.

You may also experience an increase in saliva flow as well as some irritation or discomfort when first wearing your dentures. Again, this eventually improves. If you feel your denture fitting problems are not improving with time, consult your dentist.

Will it be difficult to eat with my new dentures?

You might need a bit of practice to learn to eat with new dentures. Feeling a little discomfort for some weeks is perfectly natural. A good way to get used to wearing your new dentures is to start by eating soft foods you cut into manageable pieces. Ensure you take your time to chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. As you get used to your new dentures, you can slowly return to eating as normal.

Be cautious with hard and hot foods. Also, take extra care with shells or bones. Avoid foods that are very hard or sticky. You should not chew gum or use toothpicks either.

Will my dentures make me look different?

Dentures are created to resemble your natural teeth closely. You’ll see no huge change in appearance when you’re wearing them. You may notice your dentures make you look better as they fill out your face.

Will my new dentures change how I speak?

After getting dentures, you might find you have difficulty pronouncing some words for a short time. If you’re affected, take the time to practice saying these words out loud. Given time and repetition, you’ll learn how to speak properly again.

Sometimes, your dentures may click while you’re talking. In this case, contact your dentist. Be aware that your dentures may slip from time to time, especially while you smile, laugh or cough. All you need to do is get them back into position by biting down, then swallowing. If problems persist or you need any other help or advice, speak with your dentist.

Will I wear my new dentures 24/7?

Your dentist will tell you how long you need to wear your dentures and when you should remove them. During the first days after you receive your dentures, you may be instructed to wear them 24 hours a day — even when you sleep.

Even though this may be uncomfortable for a while, it’s the best way to ascertain any areas on the denture that may need adjusting. Once your dentist makes any and all adjustments to your dentures, you should be able to take out your dentures before retiring to bed. This will allow your gums to rest before putting them back into your mouth in the morning.

Denture Adhesives — What You Should Know

The first questions you likely have about dentures adhesives is whether you should use them for your new dentures. Eating can be tough when you’re getting used to your false teeth. Even the best fitting dentures can slip in your mouth. If you’re wondering how to make dentures more comfortable, using a denture adhesive may be the answer. It will offer confidence that your new dentures will stay firmly in place throughout your meals.

Denture adhesives offer a strong, all-day hold that gives you confidence when you’re eating out or consuming tougher foods. Another plus is that the adhesive helps to seal out particles of food, so they don’t get stuck underneath your dentures.

How to Use Denture Adhesive

Before you apply the adhesive, ensure your false teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Follow the instructions on the packaging to gain a firm hold. Using the right amount of the product may take some trial and error to get right, but you’ll soon get used to it.

Although there are many benefits to using denture adhesive, never rely on it if you have ill-fitting dentures. You should instead speak with your dentist. Bear in mind that you should not feel any long-term discomfort when eating with dentures. Using adhesive to keep them in place can make your mealtimes a more enjoyable experience.

Denture Adhesives Safety

Denture adhesives are safe to use as directed. You should suffer no ill effects if your dentures fit well and the product is used to provide added stability. In the case of using adhesives to mask a problem like an ill-fitting denture, you could damage your hard and soft tissues. Additionally, this could result in bone loss.

Situations Where Denture Adhesives Should Not be Used

Yes. There are certain circumstances when your dentist will tell you to avoid using denture adhesives. These include:

When oral hygiene practices can’t be kept up.

When you have an allergy to any ingredients in the adhesive.

When you’ve been using the adhesive for a long time without regularly visiting your dentist, and you find you need to use it more frequently or in greater volumes. You may need a denture adjustment or new dentures in this case.

When you use adhesive as a fix for badly constructed or poor-fitting dentures. If you feel your dentures don’t fit your mouth correctly anymore, contact your dentist without delay.

Types of Denture Adhesive

There are two distinct types of denture adhesive. These are:

To apply powder adhesive, you simply sprinkle a thin layer over the tissue-bearing surface of your denture. Shake off any excess and then press the denture into place. You may find this method preferable to applying paste adhesive as power is easier to clean off the tissue and denture.

Apply this type of adhesive to either a dry, or better yet, a wet denture. Avoid placing any adhesive close to the denture edges. If you find it oozes out, use less product. Apply a series of small dots or three short strips of adhesive to upper jaw dentures down the center and along the ride area. Lower jaw dentures should have a series of small dots or three short strips applied in the center of the ridge area.

How to Take Care of Your Dentures

Even if you wear full dentures, it’s crucial to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your tongue, the roof of mouth and gums each morning with a soft-bristled brush. Then, insert your dentures. Getting into the habit of cleaning your teeth every day helps remove the plaque and stimulates your tissue circulation. Brush your dentures daily to keep them plaque and food-particle free. Brushing your dentures also helps your false teeth from getting stained.

According to the American Dental Association, you should:

Rinse your dentures before you brush to remove any debris.

Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush to clean your dentures so they don’t get damaged.

Cover your dentures in water and keep them in a safe place when you’re having a rest from them.

Buy products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means they’ve been evaluated for effectiveness.

Clean all areas of your mouth thoroughly when you’re brushing, including your cheeks, tongue, the roof of mouth and gums to remove any lurking plaque deposits. By making this a habit, you also reduce your risk of bad breath and oral irritation.

You can always use plain soap and water when you’re cleaning your dentures. Never use toothpaste — it’s far too abrasive and can be damaging. Also, never use bleach or powdered household cleaners on your dentures.

What to Do If Your Dentures Cause You Pain

Modern designed and manufactured dentures should feel comfortable in your mouth. You shouldn’t experience full blown pain under any circumstances. Often, poor-fitting dentures are a cause of soreness, but there are also other conditions of the mouth that can cause mouth pain. If your mouth is sore and you’re wondering how to make your dentures fit better, follow these steps:

Improve the fit of your false teeth temporality. Use denture adhesive to lessen your pain until you can get to your dentist.

Use a topical, oral pain-relieving ointment on your gums. You can do this until you can see your dentist.

Care for your dentures properly. When you allow your dentures to dry out, they can change shape. Leaving them in hot water can make them warp. When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in a water-filled container.

Return to your dentist to get an opinion on what’s causing your mouth pain. Your dentist may need to make only a few simple adjustments to your dentures.

Ask your dentist if you need to have your dentures relined. After your teeth have been removed and as your gums and mouth begin to heal, they undergo shrinkage and changes. Therefore, you might need your dentures relined.

Take older dentures to your dentist for an examination. A set of false teeth should last for somewhere between five and seven years. Bear in mind that your bones and gums change and shrink as you age and the actual alignment of your jaw changes. Ill-fitting dental devices can be the cause of facial problems, sores, pain and infections.

Discuss the possibility of denture stomatitis causing your pain. A thrush or yeast infection of the mouth, stomatitis can make your mouth very sore and is often caused by wearing dentures for too long or by poorly fitting ones. Signs of stomatitis include sore, red areas in the corners of your mouth and red areas on your gums under your dentures.

Ask your dentist about cheilitis. Cheilitis is also known as cheilosis and is a painful infection that’s also caused by yeast overgrowth. Yeast tends to accumulate in moist areas of your mouth when your dentures don’t fit correctly, and cheilitis causes cracking at the corners of your mouth as well as inflammation.

Home Remedies for Denture Pain

When you can’t get to the dentist and your denture pain is driving you crazy, there are some useful home remedies that can tackle your pain for a while:

Gargling with warm salt water when you have sores or reddened areas in your mouth can provide some much-needed relief. You should rinse every three to four hours. The salt water toughens the inflamed or sensitive tissue, shrinks any swollen tissue and cleans out bacteria.

Create a saltwater rinse by adding a little salt to some warm water. Gargle with this twice daily as a preventative measure.

Cloves are a well-known and ancient remedy for dental pain. To utilize their painkilling benefits, add half a teaspoon of prepackaged ground cloves to a little olive oil and dab it straight onto your sore.

Cut a fig in half and place it between your cheek and the sore area on your gum. You need the open side of the fruit to touch your gum while you sit back and relax for a while.

Denture pain should never last long. If your pain is persistent or your dentures feel uncomfortable, speak to your dentist about how to make your dentures fit better. You should have any out-of-the-blue pain immediately evaluated as you might need to get your dentures refitted.

Getting a Denture Fitting or Denture Relining in Sun City, AZ

You may still feel a little concerned if you’re planning on getting dentures, but that’s normal with any big change. When you persist with wearing your new dentures, you’ll soon find your worries subside, and they begin to feel like a part of you.

Dentures give you a reason to show off your smile again, perhaps after many years of living with the pain of tooth decay. After a period of adjustment, you can speak, eat and drink as usual without any fear or worry of embarrassment.

Taking good care of your dentures and seeing your dentist every six months for regular checkups goes a long way to maintaining your oral health. If you’re interested in getting dentures, speak to your dentist today. To learn more about partial, full or custom dentures, contact our office, Donoho Dental Associates, PC today at (623) 633-7356 or complete our contact form to schedule a denture fitting or reline appointment with Dr. Donoho.

Have you been experiencing headaches? Does your jaw pop when you chew your food? Is there buzzing in your ear? You may have thought all these symptoms were unrelated, but in fact you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD.

Luckily, TMJ can be treated, and there are ways to lessen the severity of your symptoms as well. Here’s a look at what causes this disorder and how you can alleviate your discomfort.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Many things cause TMJ, which encompasses any type of jaw or jaw muscle pain. The causes tend to vary between different people, and most cases of TMJ differ quite a bit.

One of the most common causes of TMJ among mature adults is arthritis, which can cause inflammation in the jaw and make movement painful. If you have arthritis, TMJ may be at the root of your jaw problems.

Other things can also cause TMJ. The most common include:

– Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth: The constant pressure of the clenching of teeth can hurt the jaw

– Stress: People under a lot of stress tend to clench their teeth and tighten their facial muscles

– Genetics: You may be predisposed to TMJ based on the shape of your jaw or bite

– Injury: If you broke your jaw in the past, it may not have set properly, or your bite could be impacted

The cause could also be a combination of those factors and more. Sometimes a patient won’t ever know what exactly caused the TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ in Older Adults

Just as there are many causes of TMJ, there are also many symptoms of the disorder among mature adults. In addition to the headaches, jaw popping and buzzing in the ear, symptoms can vary wildly from patient to patient.

Most people, however, do experience one symptom in common, and that’s pain in the jaw area. It could simply be a tenderness of the jaw or it may be a piercing pain. This discomfort often radiates to the neck, shoulders and ears.

Some people have trouble opening their mouths wide, while others feel pain when they speak or chew. Your face may feel tingly or tired. You could find your bite goes slightly off, with the mouth feeling as though it doesn’t close correctly.

Finally, some TMJ sufferers find their jaws become stuck in the open position, leading TMJ to erroneously be referred to as lockjaw, which is an entirely different disorder involving a tetanus infection. Jaws that get stuck open can signal your dentist to TMJ, and this can actually hasten diagnosis and treatment.

Other symptoms of TMJ disorder could include:

– Toothaches

– Earaches

– Dizziness

– Unexplained tooth sensitivity

– Late-morning peak of any of these symptoms

Diagnosing TMJ Disorder

Your dentist or physician can diagnose TMJ. They may reach their conclusion based on a comprehensive description of your symptoms combined with a physical exam. They may do X-rays in order to see your bite and eliminate other possible diagnoses. In addition, they could request an MRI or CT scan to get a better idea of how your bones fit together and where your TMJ disc is located.

Treatments for TMJ Disorder in Mature Adults

Once you have received our diagnosis, we can work with you on a treatment plan to alleviate and eventually eliminate your pain. You may try just one treatment at a time, or we may recommend you attempt several at once, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Here are a few options:

– Use an Anti-Inflammatory or Muscle Relaxers: Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter drugs can help decrease inflammation in your jaw. If something stronger is needed, we can prescribe muscle relaxers to give your jaw a break.

– Try Relaxation or Meditation: Relaxing your jaw can help decrease your pain. We may suggest practicing meditation or another relaxation technique to help your jaw soften and slacken.

– Get Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes TMJ symptoms can be relieved by proper alignment of the teeth and jaw. Getting braces or other treatment can alleviate stress on the mouth.

– Buy a Mouth Guard: Using a mouth guard can reduce the pain from TMJ disorder. Oral splints may also be helpful in alleviating pressure.

– Reduce Stress: Yes, reducing stress can be easier said than done. You may be at an age where you have a lot to worry about, from nurturing your retirement nest egg to dealing with aging parents or grown children. You may want to consider antidepressants or counseling to help you get through a difficult time and relieve your anxiety.

– Undergo Surgery: If you have tried a number of treatment options and none seem to help, you may consider getting surgery. Options include minimally invasive procedures such as arthrocentesis or a more extensive option such as open-joint surgery.

Preventing TMJ Disorder in Older Adults

Treatment may lessen your symptoms, but TMJ can return. Using preventive techniques, you may be able to avoid or at least stave off a relapse. Try these ideas to keep TMJ at bay:

– Eat softer foods

– Practice good posture

– Periodically relax your jaw

– Avoid chewing hard substances, such as ice

– Do jaw stretches

– Stop grinding your teeth

With the right combination of treatment and preventive measures, you can make TMJ a bad memory. If you need assistance with diagnosis or easing your symptoms, contact Donoho Dental today via our online form or give us a call at 623-633-7356.

How long do dental bridges last? Dental bridges generally last for at least eight to 10 years before you may need it repaired or replaced. In some cases, people continue using the same bridge for up to 20 years or more.

If you are missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental bridges to replace one or more upper or lower teeth. Bridges are mostly removable devices (some are permanent) comprised of a porcelain crown fused to metal or porcelain bridges All-porcelain dental bridges are more aesthetically pleasing and applicable to replace front teeth, while porcelain fused to metal bridges are stronger and designed to replace molars and pre-molars.

Durability of dental bridges depends on the quality of materials used to make them and how well you take care of them. Bridges replacing back teeth may not last as long as bridges replacing front teeth because of powerful chewing forces stressing back bridges.

What Are Common Problems With Older Dental Bridges?

Unless bridges are properly cleaned every day using a toothbrush, toothpaste or other appropriate cleaner, oral bacteria can sneak under the bridge and through crowns and start decaying abutment teeth. If compromised enough, deteriorating abutment teeth may fracture. Underlying metal could break as well if removable bridges are mishandled or handled roughly.

If your bridge is damaged or does not feel comfortable, please call our dental office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Caring for Dental Bridges

Brushing bridges at least twice daily is essential for removing food trapped within components of the bridge. You should also brush the gummy area where the bridge replaces teeth to ensure no mouth debris is trapped under your bridge. After cleaning your bridge, hold it under running water for a minute to further help remove particles and bacteria.

Avoid eating hard, chewy foods if you have bridges replacing molars or pre-molars. Chewing forcefully stresses bridgework and may contribute to premature damage. If you crave nuts or chewy foods, cut them into small pieces and eat them one or two at a time to reduce stress on your bridges.

Our dental hygienist can show you how to properly care for your bridge if you would like more information about maintaining your bridge in the best condition possible.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of dental bridges for replacing missing teeth, please call our office today at (623) 633-7356. For patients who have received bridges from Donoho Dental Associates and need their bridges evaluated for damage, we invite them to stop in at their convenience.

Shrinking gums and loss of jawbone density due to aging are the two top reasons why denture wearers need adjustments and relines.Although some gum recession can be attributed to aging, too much gum recession may indicate ongoing gingivitis, or gum disease.

If you wear dentures and do not practice good oral hygiene habits, you could be at risk for gum disease. Smoking, certain medications and diabetes also promote gingivitis development and the need for a denture adjustment.

How Do You Know If Your Dentures Need Adjusted?

Most people know why dentures need adjustment as soon as signs of improper fit develop on their gums (pressure sores, blisters) or interfere with denture functioning. In addition, chewing difficulties involving dentures sliding and moving around in the mouth are clear indications your dentures need to be refitted.

Is wearing your dentures uncomfortable? If you have worn your dentures for some time, you should not even be aware you’re wearing them. Experiencing soreness near the incisors, feeling pain when you bite down and constantly removing and replacing your dentures in an attempt to get them to “fit” means you are due for an adjustment or reline.

Ordinary functions like chewing, biting and speaking all rely on the optimal functioning of your tongue and teeth. That’s why new denture wearers may talk differently until they get used to their dentures. If speech nuances begin changing because your dentures are loose and no longer fit your mouth shape, it’s probably time to have your dentist adjust your dentures to fit more securely.

What Are Denture Adjustments and Relines?

When a dentist relines dentures, he removes a thin layer of the old denture surface and replaces the layer with dental putty. This “impression” denture is then placed in your mouth to create a base for existing denture crowns. Finally, this impression substance is removed and replaced by hardened, gum-colored acrylic formed perfectly to your mouth’s unique contours.

Most denture wearers need their denture relined once every two or three years to maintain excellent contact with your gums for an appropriate hold.

Although denture adhesives work to keep dentures in place, they should not be used as a long-term solution for dentures that need to be adjusted or relined. Denture adhesives may contribute to gingivitis, halitosis and “bad” tastes in the mouth by allowing bacteria to accumulate under loose dentures.

Dental adjustments involve dentists utilizing oral computer scans to record a series of bite registrations while you’re wearing your dentures. This scan indicates where irregularities occur that may or may not be rectified through an adjustment. In some cases, you may need a new set of dentures or a denture reline to fix ill-fitting dentures.

If you think your dentures may need to be adjusted or relined, please call Donoho Dental Associates today at (623) 633-7356.

When your mouth is dry, the lack of saliva means plaque-causing bacteria can’t be rinsed off teeth between brushings. Consequently, bacterial accumulations promoted by the stagnant, airless environment in your mouth encourages the development of decay, cavities and inflammation.

Your Medical History and Dental Treatment — What Your Dentist Should Know

Even if you’re going to your dentist for a simple cleaning and fluoride, always tell the dentist if you are taking antiplatelet drugs, such as low-dose aspirin or Plavix.

Antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners) prevent blood clots from forming in blood vessels by stopping platelets from aggregating. Platelets are similar to blood cells and circulate freely in your bloodstream. When they “sense” damage occurring to blood vessels, they flood the damaged area and bind together to form clots.

During dental procedures that involve cutting into capillaries extending through your gums, blood affected by antiplatelet medications flows faster and is less apt to clot normally. Fortunately, your dentist has tools and procedural techniques that make receiving dental treatment safe and effective if you take antiplatelet drugs.

Bisphosphonates are a group of medications your dentist should know about prior to dental treatment. People with bones weakened by osteoporosis or other bone density disorders take bisphosphonates to help prevent stress fractures and maintain bone health. Some people develop a bone problem called osteonecrosis of the jaw while taking bisphosphonate, which could worsen following certain dental procedures.

It is also helpful for your dentist to know about past dental procedures, traumatic injuries to your neck, jaw and head and if you suffer from a psychological issue that may cause you to experience extreme discomfort during the procedure that could prevent its completion.

At Donoho Dental, we not only focus on providing our patients with superior, advanced dental treatments, but we also ensure they receive personalized care that always exceeds their expectations. Call Donoho Dental Associates today at (623) 633-7356 to learn more about what your dentist should now before you have dental work.

Losing a significant amount of weight changes your total body composition, including the possibility your gums and mouth shape may no longer accommodate your dentures. If you wear full dentures and lose more than 20 pounds, you might notice a difference in the way your dentures function.

For example, people experiencing problems with weight loss and dentures often report blisters and sore spots developing on gums where ill-fitting dentures rub and irritate gums and looseness (poor retention) to the point that dentures slip off the alveolar bone. For people who have worn dentures for years before losing weight, bone resorption may have already occurred and weight loss simply exacerbates looseness.

Talk With Your Dentist

If you’re planning to go on a diet and exercise program, talk to your dentist about possible problems with your dentures. Even though you may not initially notice looseness or gum sores, the long-term effects of improperly fitting dentures could cause oral health issues. Developing symptoms of candidiasis (oral thrush), a fungal disease producing white lesions on your inner cheeks or tongue, may mean your dentures need to be relined or replaced due to weight loss.

In addition, your mouth naturally harbors an organism called Candida albicans that is harmless until something triggers an overgrowth. When dentures don’t fit securely against your gums, food particles and dead skin cells easily accumulate under the dentures, creating an airless, protein-rich environment in which C. albicans can flourish.

Other denture problems occurring after losing weight include pain while chewing, ear and head pain due to your mouth hurting and improper biting dimensions due to improper alignment of upper and lower denture crowns. A misaligned bite can also contribute to ear pain that feels like an earache or temporomandibular joint disorder.

Research Regarding Dentures and Weight Loss

A review of articles documenting possible correlation between weight loss and dentures (Denture Fit and Stability: Effect of Weight Loss — www.cadth.ca) found no empirical proof that weight loss affects full or partial denture stability or fit. Prosthodontists suggest that denture wearers who lose 20-plus pounds and need to replace or reline their dentures because of improper fit are actually suffering from fluid loss and/or minimal reduction of cheek fat. Although dentures may feel looser or tighter, the impression aspect of dentures remain adapted to gum ridges.

If you wear dentures and are thinking about losing weight, talk to your dentist about your concerns and how you can recognize signs of improperly fitting dentures before they cause more serious issues. For more information on dentures, please call Donoho Dental Associates today at (623) 633-7356.

While most of your taste buds are located on your tongue, a few are found on the roof of your mouth (palate). Wearing a full upper denture covers some of these taste buds and puts the taste buds on the tip and edges of your tongue in contact with the acrylic plate of your upper denture. Regardless of what you eat during the first few days of getting used to your new dentures, your brain will detect that “plastic” taste and combine it with other tastes.

Fortunately, this is just a short-term problem. After a while, your brain and taste buds adapt to the minor interference presented by your dentures and that funny taste vanishes. Nerve receptors involved with taste will naturally start to focus more on the foods you put in your mouth and ultimately ignore your dentures.

For new denture wearers, it’s mostly the ability to taste sweet foods that’s affected, since the palate contains “sweet” receptors. Alternately, your tongue contains many “salty” receptors. This is why people adjusting to new dentures may not be able to taste sweet foods as well as they can taste salty foods.

Aging, Dentures and Taste

Taste buds naturally decline in their ability to detect food sensations as we age. This decline is so gradual, however, that we tend not to notice it. If you are over 60 and still experience altered taste sensations even after adjusting to new dentures, it could be that your taste buds are simply “getting old.”

Talk to your dentist if you’re concerned about your ability to taste, or see your primary care physician to determine if something else is interfering with the functioning of your taste buds.

Reduced Taste and Cleaning Your Dentures

Neglecting to thoroughly clean your dentures may affect the way food tastes. When food debris remains on dentures, bacteria break down this debris and excrete substances that not only smell bad, but taste terrible, too. Brushing your dentures twice a day and soaking them in a denture-cleaning fluid at night may help reduce or eliminate unwanted taste sensations.

Eating With New Dentures

It takes a little time to get used to new dentures. In addition to your taste buds adjusting to dentures, you may have problems sensing how hot food is, so be careful when consuming hot drinks or foods.

During the first week of wearing your new dentures, eat mostly soft or semi-solid foods like eggs, cooked vegetables, chopped meats, fish and pudding. You will naturally gain more confidence as you eat with your dentures and eventually move on to harder, crunchier foods. Using denture adhesives when eating food that requires extra biting forces (corn on the cob, for example) helps protect your oral health against bacteria and food particles, the two primary reasons for halitosis and altered taste sensations in denture wearers.

For more information on full or partial dentures, please call Donoho Dental Associates today at (623) 633-7356.